Transcendent

"Transcendent", an exhibition curated by Kathleen Hanna will highlight new work by Don Reitz, David Kuraoka and myself.  The show opens on Friday April 29th, 2011 and runs through June 12th at the wonderful Pence Gallery in Davis.

I met Don Reitz recently at NCECA.  He is 81 years old and a real dynamo not to mention a world-renowned artist.  I told him I was out of my league exhibiting with him and David Kuraoka.  

Within the world of ceramics it isn't unusual to meet ones Heros and even to know them.  A community of generosity and great spirit exists within the artform. 

With delivery date fast approaching, my creative process is at an accelerated pace  The cycle of making, firing, glazing and finally showing the works is coming to a resolution.  The range of emotions and states of mind that go into creating a new body of work are so vast.  It is quite a journey. 

The Alcazar in Seville

 I am waiting for my kiln to reach its temperature and hoping for some good color results inside.  Was thinking about how ceramists are so superstitious and how we like to have kiln gods in place during firings. In addition to my kiln god, these photos are my tribute to COLOR in glazes.

 Is there anywhere more magnificent to spend an afternoon than a place like the Alcazar in Seville?  Imagine the smell of oranges and flowers perfuming the air.

 Imagine the sound of water.

 The geometry and pattern of these colored tiles with their lyrical splendor bring such delight.  How these sights will influence me remains to be seen.  Perhaps the joy that flooded into my soul will linger from the visit.

Finally at 1:30 PM the kiln has reached its temperature of 2165 degrees F!   A 14 hour firing.
The Kiln Gods can now take a relax.

In Progress

"The significance of the work is in its effort not in its intentions.  And the effort is a state of mind, an activity, an interaction with the world"  Frank Stella

"We paint to discover ourselves, to explain our deepest nature"  Jacques Villon

Quotes from The Artist's Mentor edited by Ian Jackman

Pictured are my new works in process.  The first part of the journey is complete and now the surface glazing will begin.